Get ready for a roller coaster of emotions as we delve into the wacky universe of horror comedies. This genre cleverly melds nail-biting scares with belly-aching laughter, ensuring you never have to pick between two of cinema’s most polarizing genres. Just in time for Halloween, we’ve updated this list with the latest streaming platforms where you can catch these frightfully funny films. So, grab your popcorn and dim the lights; you’re in for a laugh—and a scream.
When Hicksploitation Meets Comedy: Tucker and Dale vs. Evil (2010)
Director Eli Craig’s “Tucker and Dale vs. Evil” turns the tables on what you’d expect from your run-of-the-mill horror flick. Centering around two well-meaning but misunderstood hillbillies, Tucker and Dale, the movie hilariously explores the theme of appearances deceiving reality.
Eli Craig’s debut film swaps the conventional trope of dirty killers and pristine white-collared children, setting up a hilariously horrific spoof that’s simple in presentation yet refreshing in effect.
📺 Where to Watch: Stream on Peacock & Hulu
The Unapologetically Funny: Scary Movie (2000)
“Scary Movie” doesn’t bother with subtlety; it takes a sledgehammer to every horror trope it can find. The Keenen Ivory Wayans directed film is an uproarious commentary on the slasher genre, serving laughs without any rational plot whatsoever.
Is the film funny? Yes. Is it logical? Absolutely not. Despite your predisposition to the horror-comedy genre, Scary Movie is a classic that should be watched at least once.
📺 Where to Watch: Stream on Max
The Time-Looping Laughter: Happy Death Day (2017)
Christopher Landon‘s “Happy Death Day” caught audiences off guard, and in the best way possible. Melding the time loop and slasher sub-genres, the film is a surprisingly cerebral comedy offering that begs for repeated viewings.
Happy Death Day is a fun movie that’s funny and intelligent in equal parts and gets richer with every rewatch as the viewers pick up on the hidden details.
Post-Apocalyptic Hilarity: Zombieland (2009)
“Zombieland” isn’t your typical zombie horror flick. Directed by Ruben Fleischer, the film takes us on a lighthearted road trip through a zombie-infested America, where the undead are more laughable than they are terrifying.
Set against a backdrop of zombie-infested America, Zombieland is a lighthearted road movie, which has an abundance of zombie deaths, along with a few heartfelt scares.
📺 Where to Watch: Stream on Peacock
Who’s the Real Villain?: Villains (2019)
“Villains” is a delightful blend of dark humor and unsettling scares. The film focuses on a pair of burglars who find that the couple they intended to rob are far more sinister than they appear.
For a film that blends the horror/home invasion genre and comedy, Villains does both quite well, as there’s a large amount of side laughs along with absurd and unsettling notes throughout the film.
A Time Capsule of Quirkiness: Beetlejuice (1988)
Tim Burton’s “Beetlejuice” is a warm and whimsical trip down the ’80s lane. Overflowing with Burton’s characteristic macabre style, the film is a classic that has aged like fine wine.
Rich with macabre aristocracy, Tim Burton’s film is the perfect amalgamation of gothic and modern sensibilities told within the framework of a comedy.
📺 Where to Watch: Stream on Max
Medieval Mayhem: Army of Darkness (1992)
Director Sam Raimi hits the sweet spot between horror and comedy in “Army of Darkness.” Bruce Campbell’s Ash finds himself battling a host of undead creatures in a movie that’s equally gruesome and amusing.
As Campbell’s Ash battles against a barrage of undead creatures, fans are presented with an entertaining concoction that’s oddly terrifying and largely funny.
📺 Where to Watch: Stream on Prime Video
Vampires in the Suburbs: What We Do In The Shadows (2014)
“What We Do In The Shadows” explores the hilarity that ensues when four vampire roommates try to coexist in modern-day New Zealand. Directed by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, the film offers a fresh take on the tired vampire trope.
A hilarious look into the everyday lives of four vampire roommates in a suburb in New Zealand.
📺 Where to Rent/Buy: Prime Video
Comedy With A Conscience: Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Edgar Wright’s “Shaun of the Dead” effortlessly blends humor with elements of social commentary. This film is not just a laugh-a-minute riot; it’s a thoughtful meditation on friendship and societal norms, making it essential viewing for fans of the horror-comedy genre.
Wright’s zombie survival saga comments on important issues, such as friendship and mindless capitalism, with a humorous and casual undertone.
📺 Where to Watch: Stream on Peacock & Hulu
Filmmaking Behind Zombie Attacks: One Cut of the Dead (2017)
“One Cut of the Dead” is a meta-horror comedy that goes behind the scenes to show the effort that goes into filmmaking—especially when your set is attacked by zombies. Director Shin’ichirô Ueda delivers a creative take on the zombie apocalypse, garnished with unexpected twists and hearty laughs.
Shinichirou Ueda’s film is full of intelligent gags and wholesome moments that seem to spring out of real-world situations, along with a game-changing twist towards the end.
In sum, these ten horror-comedies offer something for every kind of movie fan. Whether you’re seeking some light-hearted thrills or simply aiming to chuckle while you get chills, this list has got you covered. So, why settle for one genre when you can have the best of both worlds?
📺 Where to Watch: Shudder & AMC+
